Malaysia History - Lessons 1-3

What evidence do we have of Srivijaya existing?

• Historical novels
• Chinese Records
• Objects
• Inscriptions on Stones in Malaysia / Thailand

Why is it difficult to find out about Srivijaya?

• The Archaeological Museum in Malaysia is in a remote location and has very few visitors.
• Visas & permissions required to visit & study in the different countries that were part of it.
• The government is not interested in promoting the fact that Malaysia was once governed by Indonesia.
• Most of its buildings were made of wood, which has eroded over time. Only limited objects made of stone and metal remain.

How did Islam spread to Asia?

• Merchant sea traders from Arabia / India, stopping on route to China / Japan. They brought missionaries with them to spread the teachings of Islam.
• Through military conquests into northern India.
• Through the establishment of trade routes in Africa.
• By local philosophers debating religious beliefs.

How did Islam spread to citizens in countries of Southeast Asia?

• Muslims used military force to convert the population.
• There were privileges and benefits given by rulers to Muslim converts.
• Ming Dynasty China supported the formation of Muslim kingdoms.
• Islam was taught to the locals by merchants and missionaries.

Why was the Sultanate of Melacca successful?

• It was located far from major trade routes.
• It was established by a group of traders from India.
• It had the highest taxes in the region.
• It influenced other sultanates to be set up in other states of Malaya.

Who established the Sultanate of Melacca?

• Local fishermen looking for better trade opportunities.
• The Ming Dynasty.
• A group of wealthy merchants from Arabia.
• Parameswara, a powerful king who came from Indonesia.

What was a key factor in the economic development of the Sultanate of Melacca?

• The Sultanate was located in a desert region with few resources.
• It had a large army to protect its trade routes.
• The Sultanate was known for its high taxes on trade.
• Islamic merchants dominated sea trading at this time, so this brought in trade to allow it to develop economically.

What role did the Orang Laut play in Melacca?

• They were used to force ships to stop in Melacca.
• They were the main traders in the region.
• They were the rulers of Melacca.
• They provided military support to the Sultan.

What action did Parameswara take to gain protection from invasion?

• He sent tribute to the Chinese Court in order to gain protection from invasion by its powerful neighbour Siam.
• He built a large fortress to defend against invaders.
• He formed alliances with other regional powers.
• He converted to Buddhism to gain favour with local rulers.

What was a major advantage of the port of Melacca for traders?

• The port had low taxes, good facilities, no crime, and opportunities for merchants to trade.
• It was the only port in the region that allowed foreign ships.
• It was located far from the main trading routes, reducing competition.
• It was primarily a fishing port, which attracted many traders.